January 20-24th
We are now in The Galapagos Islands. Cruising around on The Floreana, we have visited six islands (Baltra, Santa Cruz, Santa Fe, Espanola, North Seymour, and Floreana) each with unique fauna and flora. We have been learning about the endemic species of the islands and comparing them to their North American relatives. These islands are more than we ever expected! We have seen 12 foot high Opuntia cacti, Blue Footed Boobies, Frigate Birds, Albatrosses, bright red crabs, and the unforgettable baby sea lions playing in the surf… and that was just the wildlife above sea level! Each day also brings an exploration of a different underwater environment. Snorkeling from the beaches or 
around oceanic sunken craters, the fish life has completely wowed us. Along with a countless number of tropical fish, we have been lucky to see schools of Manta Rays, and we were joined by 6 Galapagos Reef Sharks on our last snorkel trip. I’m not going to lie, we were all pretty nervous about those sharks circling us!
After four days of cruising the islands, we dropped anchor at Porto Ayora on the island of Santa Cruz. This charming 
fishing village is the main harbor and biggest town on the islands. This couldn’t have fallen on a better night, since the youngest LGP Fellow, James, turned 23! We took him out for a night on the town and danced to Ecuadorian music with the other 10 passengers on our boat. The highlight of James birthday was having a special cake prepared for him by the crew. The captain, Freddie, took the liberty of pushing James’ face in the cake; which is supposedly an Ecuadorian tradition.
We look forward to a visit to the Darwin Research Station today and then a hike to the “highlands” this afternoon to see new types of plant life. The coming days should bring visits to ……..
We are now in The Galapagos Islands. Cruising around on The Floreana, we have visited six islands (Baltra, Santa Cruz, Santa Fe, Espanola, North Seymour, and Floreana) each with unique fauna and flora. We have been learning about the endemic species of the islands and comparing them to their North American relatives. These islands are more than we ever expected! We have seen 12 foot high Opuntia cacti, Blue Footed Boobies, Frigate Birds, Albatrosses, bright red crabs, and the unforgettable baby sea lions playing in the surf… and that was just the wildlife above sea level! Each day also brings an exploration of a different underwater environment. Snorkeling from the beaches or 
around oceanic sunken craters, the fish life has completely wowed us. Along with a countless number of tropical fish, we have been lucky to see schools of Manta Rays, and we were joined by 6 Galapagos Reef Sharks on our last snorkel trip. I’m not going to lie, we were all pretty nervous about those sharks circling us!
After four days of cruising the islands, we dropped anchor at Porto Ayora on the island of Santa Cruz. This charming 
fishing village is the main harbor and biggest town on the islands. This couldn’t have fallen on a better night, since the youngest LGP Fellow, James, turned 23! We took him out for a night on the town and danced to Ecuadorian music with the other 10 passengers on our boat. The highlight of James birthday was having a special cake prepared for him by the crew. The captain, Freddie, took the liberty of pushing James’ face in the cake; which is supposedly an Ecuadorian tradition.
We look forward to a visit to the Darwin Research Station today and then a hike to the “highlands” this afternoon to see new types of plant life. The coming days should bring visits to ……..
4 comments:
Happy Birthday, James! What a SUPER way to spend your 23rd - I'm sure it's one you'll never forget.
For everyone else (and James, too), continue to be safe and keep on adventuring! Each new post looks more and more amazing, and it's just great to "hear" from you all again.
Make the most of your last day in the Galapagos Islands and Guayaquil! I hope you have enough time to shop in the port city. Then have a safe flight home to Philly. I'm speaking for Bob and I since Bob is away this weekend up in the mountains (they're not the Andes!).
We'll be waiting to hear who won the Uno challenge.
Happy belated Birthday to James!
Can't wait to hear about the rest of your trip. Take care.
Hello Amy! Olivia and I like the sea lions! Olivia says, "They're silly, Mommy. They go night-night." We will see you this summer at camp.
Rhea and Olivia
Amy --
That beautiful turquoise water sure looks inviting in light of the fact that it's another cloudy, snowy day in Michigan. Hope you're enjoying every minute.
Post a Comment